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In the past, animals were allowed to delve on pastured greenery in the outdoors, grazing on nature’s grass and grow into livestock that produces quality meat and dairy. Factory farming is an unsustainable way of raising livestock in big facilities. These animals are all squeezed together tightly in a confined space, whereby they do not have room to move or socialize.

As a result, animals get sick easily and farmers rely on antibiotics treatment to make sure they stay well and alive. These antibiotic treatment is increasing the amount of antibiotic resistant bacteria that we ourselves are ingesting when we eat the meat of factory farmed animals. Watch this video about the negative effects of factory farming here.

Other impacts that factory farming has on the world:

Increase in waste that pollutes the air and water

Animal cruelty

Chemical fertilizers are used instead of manure

Environmental changes

Replacing independent farmers due to corporation control over large facilities

Increase in food safety risks

Antibiotic resistance

Resulting diseases in humans when we eat diseased/unhealthy livestock products

In a nutshell, factory farming has become popular and is paving the way of livestock agriculture because it is inexpensive and fast. The demand for meat clearly surpasses the small farm process of waiting for the animals to live out its natural lifestyle.

Thus, as consumers, we need to:

understand the process involved in raising cows for example on grass, instead of grains.

Thus, understand the difference in costs between organic and grass-fed meats compared to conventional meats.

When we buy local or organic meats, we send a message to big corporations saying “I do not support industrial farming!”.

Most importantly, even if you do end up shopping in local supermarkets, go for Grass-Fed meat as compared to Grain-fed. Livestock like cows and sheep are not meant to feed on grains. Grass-fed beef is also higher in good fats and lower in saturated fats. Meat and dairy from pastured animals have higher amounts of vitamins and omega 3-s. More information on how food affects your personal health in a variety of ways can be found at Sustainable Table.

Now you will be wondering where can I get grass-fed meat in Singapore? Here are a list of good places that I have personally tried and sourced from The Green Little Dot:

Try getting some good quality meats and observe the difference in your energy levels and moods! Let us know other places to find good livestock products or tag your dishes #NurtureYourHappiness #NOtofactoryfarming #farmingpractices